The Trans Am Story

Pontiac's Firebird Trans Am is one of the most well known muscle cars of its era. In 1969, prior to mass production of the car, two prototypes were created by legendary automotive designer Gene Winfield. Those two prototypes were lost to history shortly after their creation, but some 40 years later, the second and sole remaining prototype was re-discovered by car collector Curt Richards.
The Trans Am Story takes you on the journey from the cars conception in the late 1960's, to its ownership by road racing champion Jerry Titus, to its current day restoration and unveiling. With interviews from Gene Winfield, Rick Titus, and more...
Special thanks to the Petersen Automotive Museum and Masterpiece Vintage Cars!
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[@RodeoRanger]

I bought a new 1977 Trans Am and I am still diving it 40 years later .....

[@imanaxbert1937]

I bought 2 in 2002 & still own both of them, as well. I hope to still have them in 40 years. Mine are both 2002s.

[@doaldox]

And I tough I had been driving my bird for a. Long time with 20yrs on the road lol

[@Eremon1]

Bandit, is that you? They sure could use another run of Coors.

[@Bird-dl7xs]

How many miles do you have on it now?

[@opera93]

Thanks, I had to reply!!!! *I ordered a 77 TA/ special ED / Hurst Hatch::6.6 L/auto/air/velour Deluxe INT/ps/PBRAKES/delete WINDOW TINTS/rear Defrost/ AMRADIO,, in OCT 76( came from Hurst in Michigan March 1977, less SIDE PIN stripes).. Anyways, I worked a lot on it: ZIEBART RUST PROOF( maybe mistake as HATCH ES SEEPED WATER TO FRAME AND INSIDE)KONI SHOCKS, REDONE a automatic and INGINITIONS, OPEN shaker BUBBLE UP,TIRES, ETC, .. Anyways,got a long hard 15;years of Great driving and lots of Miles.. road salt from Northern Indiana , corrosion inside,etc, as my Hatches ALWAYS SEEPED AND LEAKED!, To hard to salvage, expensive.. Anyways, best driving car , high speed...Gross underpowered with my standard Engine, mine surprisingly FAST TOP END.. .. Also,interestingly, a **coworker also got a new 77 TA ( without hurst Hatch,( later to GM TTOPS)):: and he got the Special ED WITH 4 Speed/!TA Engine!, His did not last..

[@markkukowski3710]

I had several 70's Trans Ams, mostly 400 and 455 4-speed cars that were modified and I absolutely loved all of them - Even my 1981 Formula turbo that everyone put down. What a gorgeous car - Silver and charcoal with red, orange and yellow Formula stripes. Silver interior, mirrored T-tops, Red guages, 4 wheel disc, turbo lights in the hood scoop. My favorite has to be my 1978 medium blue 4-speed with modified 400 and 4.11 gears. Such a blast to drive. I can still feel the Hurst 4-speed shifter and see the shaker scoop moving when I accellerated - The raw power pushing you back in the seat. No other car has given me that feeling since - Seeing the car that started it all is truly awesome!

[@jerrycallo]

Could you imagine being in the room when Gene Winfield and John DeLorean were talking about the car. They not only developed cars they made automotive history that is still talked about.

[@barcrrt850]

I was a sophomore in high school at the age of 17 when this car was built. I can remember that terrible day when I heard Jerry Titus had passed. My world crashed. His name is one I will never forget. Pontiac is in my blood.

[@389power]

Being a die hard Pontiac fan, it's great to see a significant car from Pontiac's performance history resurrected.

[@robertc8766]

i've had a 67 firebird, 72 firebird, 78 Trans am, 80 Trans am....69 TA is the absolute favorite car...maybe one day....

[@juliomiranda6412]

man tear ....my love for Pontiac runs deep and a very special spot for the Trans am .and that's the one that started it all for the Trans am thanks

[@TheMrmmkkpro]

Pontiac was always cutting edge , even in 1973-74 with the 455SD. They kept the T/A alive during the lean years. I own a 1972 455HO, engine only , I would love to find the chassis. Right now it lives in a 1975 Esprit with a 1973 front clip and a ram air hood. M-21 4 speed and soon to be a 3.08 posi rear gear. Been a Pontiac fan ever since I bought a 1968 400 4 speed in 1977 for 400 bucks from my uncle. I didn't realize what I had. I flipped her end over end and rolled a few times. I real goal is to find another 68 bird someday. Pontiac all the way. Cool video.👍👍🏁🏁

[@stickpd7885]

Never knew Gene Winfield had a hand in the development of the T/A till this vid thanks. Makes it that much more special!!!

[@Darryl6636]

What an incredible story that was but also what an incredible car to see one in silver really brings out the body lines I always liked the ‘69 but wasn’t a fan of the white/blue paint scheme but to see one in silver INCREDIBLE!!

[@stevenhagebusch9561]

as a early mid 60s pontiac full size collector you sir have a very iconic car from pontiacs muscle car hey day....thank you for saveing this wonderful part of the companys history

[@poncho6784]

Wow. Thank for finding and restoring this piece of history! And for telling the story with the original people and their family who were there!

[@cobrales6666]

My Dad had one of the first 69 Trans Ams sold to a private individual. It was a ram air IV.

[@MrGTO-ze7vb]

What a Great find..!! I didn't realize Gene Winfield was the original builder. He pinstriped a GTO for me back in 1988. So the 400 motor used in this prototype RA 4..!! RIP Jerry Titus...!!!

[@w41duvernay]

SHOULD have installed a ram air 4 version of the 428.

[@LegendaryPontiac]

What a great story about an amazing car...huge props to all who made this happen and thank you for everything you all do for the hobby! Stay badass!

[@spacetrucker2952]

Good stuff. BRING PONTIAC BACK.

[@zacharystewart6608]

#blactfromthepast bring back Pontiac and other vehicle brands.

[@yavin99]

We need another GTO and Trans Am.

[@michaelmesler6234]

Just spent day one of two at Eastwood Parma, in Gene Winfield's class. Fun teacher had a great time!

[@nealivers7479]

What a superb story, of Automotive History. As a 1970 GTO Convertible owner, I read a story many years ago, about Supercar Specialties, and Scott's absolutely brilliant Resto work. If I could have *ANY* automotive dream, it would be to have him and his team, restore my GTO, and take my Son & Daughter for a drive. One can hope...some day.

[@pontiacmaniac7772]

GM should surprise us in 2018 and introduce a new Pontiac and bring back the brand. That would be bad ass.

[@hgpiiihgp]

What a happy ending, great story. I have my own 69 Trans Am story but it doesn't compare to this piece of history. Well done sir, Thank you for sharing.

[@donnash5813]

I bought my 69 when it was 6 years old. I drove it daily for another 28 years. I kept it for 10 years after that but finally thought it would be better to sell to someone that could restore it. I have some great memories and pictures. I still drive it in my dreams.

[@deanmcintosh693]

The GOAT of time machines 👌

[@thebacdoc6464]

To say I love the 77-79 Trans Ams is an understatement. My dad bought me a 79 black Trans am for my high school graduation present in 1981. It had gold velour interior. It was loaded with everything but t-tops with the olds 403 6.6 liter automatic. I sold it in 1982 for a 78 Silver Trans am, with black velour but had the T/ A 6.6 400/ 4spd, that car would smoke the 79 Trans am with the 403 automatic. My dad liked mine so well, he bought a 79 tenth anniversary limited edition, with the two tone silver, and silver interior. It also has red dash lights. For some reason though, my all time favorite was the 77 SE Trans Am Y88 with the t/a 6.6 but with the automatic. I loved the bandit edition, loaded with t-tops. I would love to find one of those today. I currently drive a FBO 2014 RT Charger Max that is fast as a Skat Pak. Always liked fast nice looking cars, but now I modify them. I still have never seen a 7T7 Trans Am on the road from Trans Am depot. Those things are beasts with almost 1000 hp, they say that's what the TA would look like today. For 100K though, I would have to pass though...

[@3613jeremy]

I love that she was restored right and brought back home to Michigan before she was destroyed completely the start of my favorite car deserves respect

[@Xantylon74]

Great story!

[@vassa1972]

Great stuff loved the Firebird Trans am especially the late 70's though the early 80's models. Never owned one but loved them to bits

[@jamiedriscoll9781]

4:50 "my step mother got off of her broom" no love loss there 😅

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

And she traded it in for a Datsun 510.🤦🏻 A shopping cart with an engine. 🤦🏻

[@faithismine128]

Very nice. I've owned 3. Miss them all.

[@MrDjh66]

Great story I have a73 TA with 32k original miles

[@spanky-doodle3513]

I love the the story of this totally rare beauty, very honorable...

[@thomasbalzano2429]

Owned my 74 SD since new and my 77 also

[@lv2surf]

WOW The Holy Grail of TAs!!

[@imanaxbert1937]

That car should have been debuted, more appropriately, at the Trans Am Nationals.

[@shawnandersen5638]

I wish with all my heart that I had never sold my 77 Bandit. Who was to know back in the 80s that my number`s matching T/A would be worth what they are now. If only there was a way back machine. Some moment`s in life really blow.

[@doaldox]

So you wish you never sold it so you can sell it now lol

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

You can buy one for 7K with 36,000 miles on the odometer.

[@reginaldwashington9207]

Glad to say I had a 76 Porsche red trans am with a 455 instead of the 400 very fun car they should have kept making them!

[@michael_house]

Really nice story. Thank you!

[@brianstyles9768]

Great car. Great Research. Great Story. Well-done!

[@MODELMIND72]

Awesome! And the wheel rolls on!

[@UncleGrowl]

The SCCA owned the rights to the name Trans AM. Pontiac had to make a deal, so for every Trans AM Firebird they made, the SCCA recieved $5.00

[@erickort1987]

this older dude I know bought a 77 trans am see from the dealership in 77,he trailored it straight to a climate controlled storage place,he keeps it up off the ground on jackstands...8,000!!!

[@the70oojudge]

OK I had to watch this twice!! Awesome

[@jdogmcnasty1980]

Why I love older cars! Look at that and tell me you see anything with that much character and style out today! New cars are just rolling computers. Love my GTA.

[@johndelvisco4528]

I appreciate and respect all muscle cars because the truly have their place in auto history however everybody has that one brand that brings them back all the time and for me it will always be the Trans Am. I've had dozens of them and currently have 98 Ram Air Formula WS6 coupe, a 20th Anny TTA Indy Pace Car which was a Festival Car at Indy in 89 and I have a 79 10th Anny Daytona Pace Car which is signed by Burt Reynolds. The 79 is also the last car my Father rode in just a couple of weeks before his death. What a remarkable day that was and now with Burt's signature on it, I feel as if my Father and Burt are riding with me every time I go for a ride. Can't help but smile. These cars are not cars, they are a part of the family and share family memories. They communicate to us and have their own personality. I don't have that connection with any other sports car. The Trans Am will always be a family member to me and has been for over 40 yrs. Whoever says they don't like a Trans Am,,,,well they just don't like cars.

[@Schumanized]

My #2 favorite car!!

[@williamboardman9476]

YEAR ONE....Pontiac Performance parts locator....based on founder/owner's wanting to possess a 1969 Trans Am....as rare as they were in late 70s, early 80s...building a base Firebird to Trans am looks. 1969 was FIRST year for the Trans Am, so he called his parts locator / sales company YEAR ONE. His car is in most early catalogs, and he still drives it.

[@Eremon1]

Could you imagine finding out the old bird in your barn was Pontiac Trans Am #1st prototype? I'd never get rid of it. I bleed Pontiac red.

[@bryantcurtis2665]

Eremon1 I bleed Pontiac white with blue stripes

[@Eremon1]

@@bryantcurtis2665 That must look wicked when you do. lol

[@jasonvogelsang7034]

Richard Rawlings has the first 2 firebirds

[@williamg2552]

If PONTIAC had brought back the FIREBIRD instead of the GTO, they might still be here TODAY. Despite all of the GTO hoopla, that car only lasted for 10 years (1964-1974)The FIREBIRD LASTED 35 YEARS, 1967-2002. Pontiac SHOULD have gone with the PROVEN WINNER .A lot of people today simply don't realize ,that part of the reason why the GTO was discontinued in the FIRST place, was that the FIREBIRD was STEALING SALES from it . Just WHO made THAT stupid decision , ANYWAY ?? P.S. The Trans-Am was a FIREBIRD....NOT the other way around.

[@0111DTheProphet]

well in gto's defence. they should have never got rid of them both and they should have brought the gto years before 05. but Pontiac made bad designs and f it up. they should have keep what made them. gto. firebird, ga, gp, bonners. g8 was a perfect send off

[@jasonvogelsang7034]

Gene Winfield is a fucking genius

[@winstonpaul3398]

Nothing more than a 69 Camero body/ suspension subframe ... With a Pontiac engine ! and bells & whistles ...

[@timsacco6g694]

Great story!, it's just a shame it will never get driven again unless it's on and off a trailer, Scott Tieman is the best out there if I had the cash, that's who I would hire to restore my car

[@scottsmith6571]

Have #299 and #1397 of the 89 ttas love them

[@spanky-doodle3513]

Cheers pop!

[@corkeymccaughan3068]

I have a 1979 trans am iam the owner bought it brand new its blue love it

[@dylanhanes7205]

Had a ttop 2000 model it's been my favorite car I ever had and I've had alotta fn cars drive a 05 gto and a 06 daytona charger now trans am was way better car than either and less issues

[@keithleeuwen877]

Kool !

[@jeanhansen3016]

I own a 1980 Chevrolet Scottsdale 10 4x4 pick-up. And a 1975 Ford Thunderbird.

[@GenerationautoTv]

Fantastic story, very very well produced video. I would like to talk to the person behind this video? I will email and hope to hear from you.

[@PlazaMaya]

A 1st gen prototype sold on ebay wow. I wonder if they painted over the fire hydrant repair or if they put clear over it to show the scar. my vote is to show the scar.

[@aricsnyder5882]

Gene Winfield. Legendary.. Just like Chuck Beck and Barris..

[@spanky-doodle3513]

The real true American story of our ambitions...

[@Ladco77]

I respect the need to preserve such an important piece of automotive history for posterity, but I can't help but be a bit saddened by the fact that it'll likely never be driven as it was intended again.

[@chrisbeck3732]

That seems a bit odd. I know studying the Pontiac "Bibles" that Pontiac Developed the RAV 303 for this car. I can't imagine that the engineering department would ever consider putting a THM 400 behind that motor. Something smells here....

[@Janet71990]

Introducing KITT

[@douglasb.1203]

Finding the car, researching the build, restoring it with care, and then the guy is leaning on it. Grrr.

[@markmagee7324]

Douglas, unlike the junk made now days, as long as you didn't scratch the paint you were all right, do that to the garbage made now days the whole roof might cave in, the junk made now are beer cans on wheels.

[@florianchristianpilz7363]

Hm great....Thanks John delorean too...dir Themen time

[@jeanhansen3016]

Montgomery,MN them two vehicles.

[@Loulovesspeed]

Well done documentary on the prototype. Sorry Firebird fans but I always thought of the Firebird -except the first year 67 - as just an overweight Camaro. I never was into gigantic ugly graphics on any car either and that huge gold thunder chicken on the hood was just way over the top for my taste. The funniest thing though is Pontiac named the Trans Am after one of the most popular SCCA racing series ever, yet the car never won a TA race and even then it was a rare sight in the series. On top of that, Pontiac did not have permission from SCCA to use that name and they settled it all by forcing Pontiac to pay $5.00 per car to the SCCA.

[@jasonvogue4487]

I thought Richard Rawlings, found the Prototype? Am I mistaken? Maybe it was the first Firebirds??

[@sucapizda]

And I just bout a 2002 CETA. The last of the trans ams.

[@faustinosantoyo7580]

always wondered what is the difference between fbird and t-am?

[@williamg2552]

The Pontiac FIREBIRD is the parent car. The Trans Am was just one of several Firebird models....NOT the name of the ENTIRE LINE. The name of the LINE is the PONTIAC FIREBIRD. The FIREBIRD had several models over the years...including Firebird FORMULA, Firebird ESPRIT, Firebird 400, Firebird HO, Firebird TRANS AM etc. The PROPER name of the Trans Am is the Pontiac FIREBIRD Trans Am. Look at it this way: All Trans-Ams are FIREBIRDS...But all FIREBIRDS are NOT Trans-Ams.

[@luiscameltosisrivera3673]

EN ESPAÑOL!!!

[@sykwookiee]

sorry...no habla

[@steffyhobmann5037]

Where is this Trans Am now?

[@deecost1078]

how much did the owner pay for the car when he found and bought it............thanks

[@UsefulEntertainment]

does any body know if since the prototype was silver, it may have inspired the 10th anniversary to be silver?

[@PhenomProductions23]

1969 Silver Prototype.. 1979, Silver S/E You might have something there.

[@sherrypendley9874]

We have a 79 TA to sell

[@steffyhobmann5037]

So DeLorean is responsible for the GTO and the Firebird but this guy is specifically the Trans Am???

[@zackraschka1183]

Guy sounds like Freddie Roach

[@johna.4334]

Whitewall tires? What the...???

[@chrisholcombe137]

GOOGLE : PONTIAC GTO 382 ! PHS DOCUMENTED FIREBIRD WT5 JUDGE! Or GOOGLE : 1970 TRANS AM 455 WT5

[@BeatAssDude]

Someone explain to me every difference between a trans am and a firebird

[@doaldox]

The name and usually firebird v6 trans am v8

[@khaledEDFawaz]

Where did the native Firebird on trans am become Chicken?

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

keep them alive and attainable by the average man,having 3 million dollar muscle-cars goes against the original idea of what a muscle car is. fuck barrett jackson,bring back the real muscle car to the masses.

[@jerrycallo]

Amen brother, what made them great and perpetuated the following was that they were affordable. Henry Ford proved that 100 years ago.

[@aricsnyder5882]

Leave rare cars original.. The rest of early models pro mod them take a 65 Impala and make it run VIR within .005 laps of a 2018 Rustang or ZL1 Camaro

[@spanky-doodle3513]

Made me wanna say rc bep

[@kenkenneth8649]

Great story but he resold the car, He did it for cash not for the love of the car.

[@sykwookiee]

....and?

[@RodeoRanger]

Loving a car is only worth so much ....

[@jerrycallo]

You could tell when he was talking that it was like a shinny new toy to a kid. He was going to play with it for a while and that would be it. He was there to tell this "wonderful" story just to hype it, and turn a quick profit.

[@Bungle]

I don't like the heavy metal guitar soundtrack playing while the dude talks. Just let him talk.

[@78tranzamman43]

So weird to see old men with no eyebrows but with a thick head of hair of a wig...